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"This attempt to block much-needed reform to a sector in crisis and to better support home support workers is appalling. We realize the business interests of the BCCPA will be affected by this change, but it's time to put the well-being of people over profit and address the damage resulting from almost 20 years of privatization and underfunding in the sector." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

Vancouver (6 May 2019) — The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is disappointed to see today's launch of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) campaign opposing the provincial government's decision to bring home support services in-house under the Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Vancouver Island Health authorities.

Government measure much-needed move to protect home support workers

The BCGEU/NUPGE has been lobbying to bring home care support workers under government employment for over 2 decades and enthusiastically welcomes this excellent public policy decision that will provide greater security to workers, and better care to B.C. seniors.

"This attempt to block much needed reform to a sector in crisis, and to better support home support workers is appalling," says BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. "We realize the business interests of the BCCPA will be affected by this change, but it's time to put the well-being of people over profit, and address the damage resulting from almost 20 years of privatization and underfunding in the sector."

Union working for a smooth transition

The BCGEU/NUPGE will be working closely with the health authorities over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible and works in a way that supports both workers and clients.

The BCGEU represents approximately 4,800 home support workers across the province.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 390,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. — NUPGE